Composting method

ABSTRACT

A method for vermicomposting includes providing an underground cell comprising a bottom, sidewalls and an open top, layering a base bedding layer at the bottom of the underground cell, layering a bottom organic waste layer on the base bedding layer, layering a stack of one (1) or more intermediate bedding layers and one (1) or more one or more intermediate organic waste layers, alternating between an intermediate bedding layer and an intermediate organic waste layer, on the bottom organic waste layer to partially form a compost heap, layering a top bedding layer on a top organic waste layer of the stack of the intermediate bedding layers and the intermediate organic waste layers to form the compost heap, watering the compost heap at a predetermined watering cycle, introducing worms to the compost heap, aerating the compost heap at a predetermined aeration cycle, and harvesting compost from the compost heap.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/244,271,filed Aug. 23, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,196,321, issued Feb. 5, 2019,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/209,025filed on Aug. 24, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of composting and,more particularly, to method for vermicomposting.

Background of the Invention

Composting is generally recommended as an alternative to soil. Manygardeners prefer composting over soil as it yields a greater growth ratefor vegetation. Some methods of composting include black soldier flylarva composting, cockroach composting, hugelkultur composting, bokashicomposting and the like. Some disadvantages in these composting methodsare undesirable odor emanations, wet, soggy, or slimy heaps, and insectinfestations, such as pill bugs and sow bugs. Additionally, bacteriathat breaks down organic material may be severely hindered in freezingtemperatures. It is therefore desirable to create a method usingvermicomposting in order to greatly reduce impedance in the compostheap.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a compositing method to prevent orreduce the disadvantages described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems andlack in the art and observed that there is a need for a vermicompostingmethod that greatly reduce impedance in a compost heap. The developmentof the present invention, which will be described in greater detailherein, fulfills this need.

In one (1) embodiment, the disclosed method for vermicomposting includesthe steps of: 1). providing an underground cell comprising a bottom,sidewalls and an open top, 2). layering a base bedding material layer atthe bottom of the underground cell, 3). layering a bottom organic wastematerial layer on the base bedding material layer, 4). layering a stackof one (1) or more intermediate bedding material layers and one (1) ormore intermediate organic waste material layers, alternating between anintermediate bedding material layer and an intermediate organic wastematerial layer, on the bottom organic waste material layer to partiallyform a compost heap, 5). layering a top bedding material layer on a toporganic waste material layer of the stack of the intermediate beddingmaterial layers and the intermediate organic waste material layers toform the compost heap, 6). watering the compost heap at a predeterminedwatering cycle, 7). introducing worms to the compost heap, 8). aeratingthe compost heap at a predetermined aeration cycle, and 9). harvestingcompost from the compost heap, the compost comprising decomposed organicwaste material, decomposed bedding material and vermicast.

In another embodiment, the disclosed compost heap includes anunderground cell comprising a bottom, sidewalls and an open top, a basebedding material layer layered on the bottom within the undergroundcell, a bottom organic waste material layer layered on the base beddingmaterial layer, a stack of one (1) or more intermediate bedding materiallayers and one (1) or more intermediate organic waste material layers,alternating between an intermediate bedding material layer and anintermediate organic waste material layer and, layered on the basebedding material layer, a top bedding material layer layered on a toporganic waste material layer of the stack of the intermediate beddingmaterial layers and the intermediate organic waste material layers,water dispersed through the top bedding material layer, the top organicwaste material layer, the intermediate bedding material layers, theintermediate organic waste material layers, the bottom organic wastematerial layer and the base bedding material layer, and worms dispersedthrough the top bedding material layer, the top organic waste materiallayer, the intermediate bedding material layers, the intermediateorganic waste material layers, the bottom organic waste material layerand the base bedding material layer to produce decomposed organic wastematerial and vermicast.

Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure maybe combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in therelevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one(1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particularembodiment.

Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from aconsideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become betterunderstood with reference to the following more detailed description andclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in whichlike elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the disclosed method forvermicomposting;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one (1) embodiment of a compostingenvironment for the compost heap produced by the disclosed method;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway top view of one (1) example of the compost heap;and,

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of another example of the compostheap.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

-   -   10 compost heap    -   12 composting environment    -   20 underground cell    -   22 bottom    -   24 sidewall    -   26 open top    -   28 excavation lane    -   30 bedding material layers    -   32 organic waste material layers    -   34 base bedding layer    -   36 bottom organic waste layer    -   38 intermediate bedding layers    -   40 intermediate organic waste layers    -   42 top bedding layer    -   44 top organic waste layer    -   46 bedding material    -   48 organic waste material    -   50 ground surface    -   52 water    -   54 worms    -   100 method

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms ofa preferred embodiment, herein depicted within FIGS. 1 and 2. However,the invention described herein is not limited to a single describedembodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that manyother embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic conceptof the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under itsscope.

Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that other styles andconfigurations can be incorporated into the teachings of the presentdisclosure, and that the example configurations shown and describedherein are for the purpose of clarity and disclosure and not by way oflimitation.

As used herein, the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” do not denote alimitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one(1), as well as a plurality of, the referenced items, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, disclosed herein is a method forvermicomposting, herein generally referred to as the method 100. Themethod 100 may be used to produce a compost heap 10.

As used herein, the term “vermicomposting” and “vermicompost” refers toa process and product, respectively, of composting using various wormsto create a heterogeneous mixture of decomposing organic wastematerials, bedding materials and vermicast.

As used herein, the term “organic waste” includes any organic matter ormaterial including, but not limited to, food, garden clippings, lawnclippings, animal based material, plant based material, animal waste(e.g., feces), human waste and any other biodegradable waste that can bebroken down into simple organic molecules by worms usingvermicomposting.

As used herein, the term “vermicast” refers to the end-product of thebreakdown of organic waste by worms, also referred to as worm castings,worm humus or worm manure.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the disclosed method 100,according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic blockdiagram of a composting environment 12 for the compost heap 10 producedby the disclosed method 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG.3 is a schematic cutaway top view illustrating one (1) example of thecompost heap 10, according to one (1) embodiment. FIG. 4 is schematicside cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the compostheap 10, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 1 and the accompanying disclosure describe the operations of thedisclosed method 100. The blocks illustrated in FIG. 1 representoperations. The various blocks do not imply any particular order ordependency. The operations set forth herein should not be interpreted asnecessarily determining a sequence in which the operations are to beperformed, unless specifically identified otherwise. Rather, althoughone illustrative order is indicated, it is to be understood that thesequence of the operations may be modified when appropriate. Blocksrepresented by dashed lines indicate alternative operations.Modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the operationsillustrated and certain operations may be performed in a different orderor simultaneously. Additionally, those skilled in the art willappreciate that not all of the operations illustrated need be performedin every embodiment of the disclosed method 100.

FIG. 2 and the accompanying disclosure describe the elements of thedisclosed compost heap 10. The blocks illustrated in FIG. 2 representelements. The elements set forth herein should not be interpreted asnecessarily limiting structure, unless specifically identified herein.It is understood that not all relationships among the various disclosedelements are necessary represented. One (1) or more elements may beomitted from a particular example without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatsome of the elements illustrated in FIG. 2 may be combined in variousways without the need to include other elements described in FIG. 2,other drawing figures, and/or the accompanying disclosure, even thoughsuch combinations are not explicitly illustrated herein. Similarly,additional elements, not limited to the examples presented, may becombined with some or all of the elements shown and described herein.

Referring to FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the disclosedcomposting environment 12 includes an underground cell 20 and thedisclosed compost heap 10. The underground cell 20 may also be referredto as a window, which consists of bedding materials for worms 54 to livein and acts as a large bin to which the organic waste material 48 isadded. Thus, the disclosed method 100 may be referred to as a windowmethod and the composting environment 12 may be referred to as a windowcomposting system. The underground cell 20 may be formed, for exampledigging or other excavating technique, within a ground surface 50. In anexample, the underground cell 20 includes a bottom 22, sidewalls 24 andan open top 26.

The compost heap 10 includes a plurality of bedding material layers 30,also referred to herein as bedding layers, and a plurality of organicwaste material layers 32, also referred to herein as organic wastelayers. The bedding layers 30 and the organic waste layers 32 arearranged in an alternating layered to stacked configuration.

In one (1) example, the compost heap 10 includes a base bedding layer 34layered on the bottom 22 within the underground cell 20. A bottomorganic waste material layer 36 is layered on the base bedding materiallayer 34. A stack 32 of one or more intermediate bedding layers 38 andone or more intermediate organic waste layers 40, alternating between anintermediate bedding layer 38 and an intermediate organic waste layerand, is layered on the base bedding layer 34. A top bedding layer 42 islayered on a top organic waste layer 44 of the stack 32 of theintermediate bedding layers 38 and the intermediate organic waste layers40.

Water 52 is dispersed through the top bedding layer 42, the top organicwaste layer 44, the intermediate bedding layers 38, the intermediateorganic waste layers 40, the bottom organic waste layer 36 and the basebedding layer 34. The water 52 moistens the compost heap 10 and enablesthe worms 54 to decompose the organic waste material 48 and the beddingmaterial 46. The amount of water 52, for example, dispensed at thepredetermined watering cycle may vary and depend on numerous factorssuch as the size or capacity of the underground cell 20, the overalltime required to produce the compost 14, the time of year, thegeographic area where the compost heap 10 is located and the like.Generally, water 52 is added until the compost heap 10 has theconsistency of a damp sponge.

Worms 54 are dispersed through the top bedding layer 42, the top organicwaste layer 44, the intermediate bedding layers 38, the intermediateorganic waste layers 40, the bottom organic waste layer 36 and the basebedding layer 34. The worms 54 break down the organic waste material 48and the bedding material 46 to produce decomposed organic material,decomposed bedding material and vermicast.

Referring to FIG. 1, and with reference to FIG. 2, in the exemplaryembodiment, the disclosed method 100 begins by providing an undergroundcell 20 (block 102). The base bedding layer 34 is layered on the bottom22 of the underground cell 20 (block 104). The bottom organic wastelayer 36 is then layered on the base bedding layer 34 (block 106). Thestack 32 of one or more intermediate bedding layers 38 and one or moreintermediate organic waste layers 40, alternating between anintermediate bedding layer 38 and an intermediate organic waste layer40, are layered on the bottom organic waste layer 36 to partially formthe compost heap 10 (block 108). The top bedding layer 42 is layered onthe top organic waste layer 44 of the stack 32 of intermediate beddinglayers 38 and intermediate organic waste layers 40 to form the compostheap 10.

The compost heap 10 is watered (e.g., the water 52 is dispensed on anddispersed throughout the compost heap 10 via gravity) at a predeterminedwatering cycle (block 112). In the various embodiments of the disclosedmethod 100, the predetermined watering cycle may vary depending uponvarious factors including, for example, the size or capacity of theunderground cell 20, the overall time required to produce the compost14, the time of year, the geographic area where the compost heap 10 islocated, the predetermined aeration cycle and the like. As an example,the predetermined watering cycle is at least once a day. As anotherexample, the predetermined watering cycle is more than once a day. Asanother example, the predetermined watering cycle is once every otherday. As another example, the predetermined watering cycle is at leastonce every week. As yet another example, the predetermined wateringcycle is less than once every week.

The worms 54 are introduced into and dispersed throughout the compostheap 10 (block 114). In the various embodiments of the disclosed method100 and the disclosed compost heap 10, various types of worms 54 may beused to decompose the organic waste material 48 and the bedding material46 depending upon various factors including, but not limited to, thesize (e.g., depth) of the underground cell 20, the overall timeavailable to produce the compost 14, the time of year, the geographicarea where the compost heap 10 is located, the predetermined wateringcycle, the predetermined aeration cycle and the like. As one (1)specific, non-limiting example, the worms 54 are red wiggler worms(Eisenia fetida or Eisenia andrei). As another specific, non-limitingexample, the worms 54 are red earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus). Asanother specific, non-limiting example, the worms 54 are Europeannightcrawlers (Eisenia hortensis). As another specific, non-limitingexample, the worms 54 are African nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae). Asanother specific, non-limiting example, the worms 54 are Canadiannightcrawlers. (Lumbricus terrestris). As yet another specific,non-limiting example, the worms 54 are blueworms (Perionyx excavatus).Other types of worms 54 are also contemplated.

In the various embodiments of the disclosed method 100 and the disclosedcompost heap 10, various amounts of worms 54 may be used to decomposethe organic waste material 48 and the bedding material 46 depending uponvarious factors including, but not limited to, the size (e.g., depth) ofthe underground cell 20, the overall time available to produce thecompost 14, the time of year, the geographic area where the compost heap10 is located, the predetermined watering cycle, the predeterminedaeration cycle and the like. As one (1) specific, non-limiting example,approximately one pound of worms 54 is added per one square yard (1lb/yd.sup.2) of the compost heap 10.

The compost heap 10 is aerated at a predetermined aeration cycle (block116). In the various embodiments of the disclosed method 100, thepredetermined aeration cycle may vary depending upon various factorsincluding, for example, the size or capacity of the underground cell 20,the overall time required to produce the compost 14, the time of year,the geographic area where the compost heap 10 is located, thepredetermined watering cycle and the like. As an example, thepredetermined aeration cycle is at least once a day. As another example,the predetermined aeration cycle is once every other day. As anotherexample, the predetermined aeration cycle is at least once every week.As another example, the predetermined aeration cycle is once two (2)weeks. As another example, the predetermined aeration cycle is oncethree (3) weeks. As another example, the predetermined aeration cycle isonce every month. As yet another example, the predetermined aerationcycle more than (4) weeks.

The aerating step (block 116) may be performed in various different waysand according to various different techniques. As an example, arelatively small compost heap 10 may be aerated with a pitchfork, a hoe,a shovel or another hand tool. As another example, a relatively largecompost heap 10 may be aerated with a backhoe or other mechanism.

When ready, compost 14 from the compost heap 10 is then harvested (block118). The compost 14 includes decomposed organic waste material 48,decomposed bedding material 46 and vermicast. Generally, the compost 14is ready for harvest when it contains few-to-no scraps of undecomposedorganic waste material 48 or bedding material 46. As one (1) example,the compost 14 is ready for harvest when the compost heap 10 isapproximately one-tenth ( 1/10) of its original volume.

In another embodiment, additional organic waste material 48 may be addedto the compost heap 10 over time, for example, as the initial volume oforganic waste material 48 decomposes and the overall volume of thecompost heap 10 is reduced or as compost 14 is harvested from thecompost heap 10. In this embodiment, another stack 32 of one (1) or moreadditional intermediate bedding layers 38 and one (1) or moreintermediate organic waste layers 40, alternating between an additionalintermediate bedding layer 38 and an additional intermediate organicwaste layer 40, is layered on the top bedding layer 42 to increase thevolume of the compost heap 10, for example, by adding more organic wastematerial 48 (block 120). Another top bedding layer 42 is then layered onanother top organic waste layer 44 of the another stack 32 of theadditional intermediate bedding layers 38 and additional intermediateorganic waste layers 40 to form the compost heap 10, for example, torefresh the compost heap 10 (block 122).

The compost heap 10 is then re-watered as necessary, for example, at thepredetermined watering cycle (block 112). Additional worms 5, if needed,are introduced into and dispersed throughout the compost heap 10 (block114). The compost heap 10 is aerated at a predetermined aeration cycle(block 116). When ready, compost 14 from the compost heap 10 is thenharvested (block 118).

In another embodiment, optionally, one or more of the bedding layers 30,for example, one (1) or more of the base bedding layer 34, any or all ofthe intermediate bedding layers 38 and/or the top bedding layer 42, issoaked in water 52 until completely saturated (block 124). Pre-soakingthe bedding layers 30 provides a more thorough saturation of the compostheap 10.

The disclosed method 100 enables formation of and increases to thecompost heap 10 throughout the entire calendar year. Thus, in anotherembodiment, the disclosed method 100 may enable formation of the compostheap 10 in cold weather or during winter months, for example, when snowaccumulates on the ground surface 50. In this embodiment, the snow isallowed to accumulate on the top bedding layer 42 (block 126). The snowis them removed from the top bedding layer 42 (block 128). Additionalorganic waste material 48 may be then added to the compost heap 10during this time. In this embodiment, another stack 32 of one (1) ormore additional intermediate bedding layers 38 and one (1) or moreintermediate organic waste layers 40, alternating between an additionalintermediate bedding layer 38 and an additional intermediate organicwaste layer 40, is layered on the top bedding layer 42 to increase thevolume of the compost heap 10, for example, by adding more organic wastematerial 48 (block 120). Another top bedding layer 42 is then layered onanother top organic waste layer 44 of the another stack 32 of theadditional intermediate bedding layers 38 and additional intermediateorganic waste layers 40 to form the compost heap 10, for example, torefresh the compost heap 10 (block 122). The snow is then replaced onthe another top bedding layer 42 (block 130). The snow, being replacedback on the another top bedding layer 42, acts as an insulator to keepthe compost heap 10 warm throughout the cold months, which in turn,helps to keep the worms 54 alive during this time.

The winter months do not require water 52 or worms 54. When the weatherwarms, for example, during spring months, the compost heap 10 is wateredat the predetermined watering cycle (block 112). Further, the meltingsnow may provide the water 52, or additional water 52, to the compostheap 10. Once spring arrives, the snow will slowly melt, soaking thecompost heap 10, which in turn, will provide optimal conditions foradding the worms 54. Additional worms 54, if needed, are introduced intoand dispersed throughout the compost heap 10 (block 114). The compostheap 10 is aerated at a predetermined aeration cycle (block 116). Whenready, compost 14 from the compost heap 10 is then harvested (block118).

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, and with reference to FIG. 1, in an example,the bottom 22 of the underground cell 20 is approximately horizontal,for example, is formed approximately horizontally. In another example,the bottom 22 of the underground cell 20 is disposed at a non-zero anglerelative to horizontal, for example, is formed at the non-zero anglerelative to horizontal. As an example, the non-zero angle is sufficientto allow water 52 to flow through the compost heap 10 in a generallyhorizontal direction.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, and with reference to FIG. 1, in variousembodiments, the underground cell 20 may be formed in various differentsizes, for example, from a relatively small underground cell 20 (e.g.,for residential use) to a relatively large underground cell 20 (e.g.,for commercial use). In the example of a small underground cell 20(e.g., a small composting environment 12), the organic waste material 48may include kitchen and garden waste, such as kitchen scraps, fruits andvegetables, vegetable and fruit peels and ends, coffee grounds andfilters, tea bags, grains such as bread, cracker and cereal, eggshells,leaves and grass clippings and the like. In the example of a largeunderground cell 20 (e.g., a large composting environment 12), theorganic waste material 48 may include dairy cow or pig manure, sewagesludge, brewery waste, cotton mill waste, agricultural waste, foodprocessing and grocery waste, cafeteria waste, grass clippings and woodchips and the like.

Additionally, in various embodiments, the underground cell 20 may havevarious different shapes. As examples, the underground cell 20 may becircular in cross section and cylindrical when viewed from the side,square in cross section and square when viewed from the side or variousother geometric shapes. As one (1) specific, non-limiting example, theunderground cell includes a width at least approximately ten feet (10ft), a length of at least approximately ten feet (10 ft) and a depth ofat least approximately ten feet (10 ft). As another specific,non-limiting example, the underground cell includes a width at leastapproximately twenty feet (20 ft), a length of at least approximatelytwenty feet (20 ft) and a depth of at least approximately twenty feet(20 ft). Other dimensions are also contemplated depending uponimplementation of the composting environment 12.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, and with reference to FIG. 1, in anotherembodiment, the composting environment 12 also includes one (1) or moreexcavating lanes 28 positioned adjacent to the open top 26 of the 26 ofthe underground cell 20. The excavation lane 28 provides access to theunderground cell 20 and the compost heap 10, for example, to addadditional organic waste material 48 to the compost heap 10, harvestcompost 14 from the compost heap 10 and the like, without interferingwith and applying undue pressure on the top of the compost heap 10,which may kill the worms 54. As an example, the excavation lane 28 maybe at least approximately eight feet (8 ft) wide to accommodate atractor, a truck or another vehicle that may be used to add organicwaste material 48 or harvest compost 14.

Referring to FIG. 1, the bedding layers 30, for example, one (1) or moreof the base bedding layer 34, any or all of the intermediate beddinglayers 38 and/or the top bedding layer 42 is made of a bedding material46. In an example, the bedding material 46 is cardboard, for example,single layer cardboard or multiple layer corrugated or uncorrugatedcardboard. For example, one (1) or more of the base bedding layer 34,any or all of the intermediate bedding layers 38 and/or the top beddinglayer 42 may include or be formed from one (1) or more planar sheets ofcardboard. In another example, the bedding material 46 is paper. Forexample, one (1) or more of the base bedding layer 34, any or all of theintermediate bedding layers 38 and/or the top bedding layer 42 mayinclude or be formed from one (1) or more planar sheets of paper. In yetanother example, the bedding material 46 is a combination of cardboardand paper. For example, one (1) or more of the base bedding layer 34,any or all of the intermediate bedding layers 38 and/or the top beddinglayer 42 may include or be formed from one (1) or more planar sheets ofcardboard and one (1) or more planar sheets of paper.

Referring to FIG. 4, and with reference to FIG. 1, in variousembodiments, the compost heap 10 may have any number of bedding layers30 and/or organic waste layers 32. The total number of bedding layers 30and/or organic waste layers 32 may depend on various factors includingthe size or capacity of the underground cell 20, the overall timerequired to produce the compost 14, the time of year, the geographicarea where the compost heap 10 is located and the like. As an example,the bedding layers 30 (e.g., the base bedding layer 34, any intermediatebedding layers 38 and the top bedding layer 42) and the organic wastelayers 32 (e.g., the bottom organic waste layer 36, any intermediateorganic waste layers 40 and the top organic waste layer 44) forming thecompost heap 10 may number a total of between ten (10) layers and twenty(20) layers. As another example, the bedding layers 30 and the organicwaste layers 32 forming the compost heap 10 may number a total ofbetween ten (1) layers and twelve (12) layers. As another example, thebedding layers 30 and the organic waste layers 32 forming the compostheap 10 may number a total of at least ten (1) layers. As yet anotherexample, the bedding layers 30 and the organic waste layers 32 formingthe compost heap 10 may number a total of more than twenty (20) layers.

FIGS. 3 and 4 more clearly illustrate the alternating stack of thebedding layers 30 and the organic waste layers 32 forming the compostheap 10. As shown, the base bedding layer 34 is layered on the bottom 22of the underground cell 20. The bottom organic waste layer 36 is layeredon the base bedding layer 34. A plurality of intermediate bedding layers38 a-38 h and a plurality of organic waste layers 40 a-40 g are layeredon the bottom organic waste layer 36 and on each other in an alternatingarrangement. The top bedding layer 42 is layered on the top organicwaste layer 44.

Referring to FIG. 1, in various embodiments, the amount of organic wastematerial 48 forming each of the organic waste layers 32 (e.g., thebottom organic waste layer 36, any or all of the intermediate organicwaste layers 40 and the top organic waste layer 44), for example, thethickness of the organic waste layers 32, may vary depending on variousfactors, including, for example, the size or capacity of the undergroundcell 20, the overall time required to produce the compost 14, the timeof year, the geographic area where the compost heap 10 is located andthe like. As an example, one (1) or more of the organic waste layers 32(e.g., the bottom organic waste layer 36, any intermediate organic wastelayers 40 and/or the top organic waste layer 44) forming the compostheap 10 may have a thickness of between approximately one-half inch (½in) and one inch (1 in). As another example, one (1) or more of theorganic waste layers 32 forming the compost heap 10 may have a thicknessof between approximately one-half inch (½ in) and five inches (5 in). Asanother example, one (1) or more of the organic waste layers 32 formingthe compost heap 10 may have a thickness of between approximately fiveinches (5 in) and one foot (1 ft). As another example, one (1) or moreof the organic waste layers 32 forming the compost heap 10 may have athickness of between approximately one foot (1 ft) and two feet (2 ft).As yet another example, one (1) or more of the organic waste layers 32forming the compost heap 10 may have a thickness of more thanapproximately two feet (2 ft).

Referring to FIG. 3, and with reference to FIG. 1, in another exampleembodiment, the organic waste layers 32 and the bedding layers 30overlap each other in a slight sloping fashion that will allow water 52to run off.

Referring to FIG. 1, in another embodiment, the water 52 is applied(block 112) to the compost heap 10 after layering of each individualbedding material layer 30 and organic waste layer 32 is performed(blocks 104, 106, 108, 110, 120, 122). Further, the layering of eachindividual bedding material layer 30 and organic waste layer 32 (blocks104, 106, 108, 110, 120, 122) is performed in such a manner so thatthere is space enough for air to flow between the adjacent layers. Thismay also allow for mold, worms, and bacteria to get between the beddingmaterial layers 30 and organic waste layers 32.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the worms 54 (e.g., the redwiggler worms) need to have a location to go when temperatures arefrigid, this is why it is necessary to aerate the compost heap 10 andthe soil where the compost heap 10 will lie (e.g., the bottom 22 of theunderground cell 20).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that other styles andconfigurations of the disclosed apparatus 10 can be easily incorporatedinto the teachings of the present disclosure, and only particularconfigurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity anddisclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed and manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain principles and practical application to enable others skilled inthe art to best utilize the various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composting method comprising: layering a basebedding material on a ground surface; layering a bottom organic wastematerial layer on said base bedding material layer; layering a stack ofone or more intermediate bedding material layers and one or moreintermediate organic waste material layers, alternating between anintermediate bedding material layer and an intermediate organic wastematerial layer, on said bottom organic waste material layer to partiallyform a compost heap; layering a top bedding material layer on a toporganic waste material layer of said stack of said intermediate beddingmaterial layers and said intermediate organic waste material layers toform said compost heap; watering said compost heap at a watering cycle;introducing worms to said compost heap; aerating said compost heap at anaeration cycle; and, harvesting compost from said compost heap, saidcompost comprising decomposed organic waste material, decomposed beddingmaterial and vermicast.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:layering another stack of one or more additional intermediate beddingmaterial layers and one or more one or more additional intermediateorganic waste material layers, alternating between an additionalintermediate bedding material layer and an additional intermediateorganic waste material layer, on said top bedding material layer toincrease a volume of said compost heap; and, layering another topbedding material layer on another top organic waste material layer ofsaid another stack of said additional intermediate bedding materiallayers and additional intermediate organic waste material layers to formsaid compost heap.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising soakingsaid base bedding material layer, said intermediate bedding materiallayers and said top bed layer in water until completely saturated beforelayering.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: allowing snow toaccumulate on said top bedding material layer; removing said snow fromsaid top bedding material layer; layering another stack of one or moreadditional intermediate bedding material layers and one or more one ormore additional intermediate organic waste material layers, alternatingbetween an additional intermediate bedding material layer and anadditional intermediate organic waste material layer, on said topbedding material layer to increase a volume of said compost heap; and,layering another top bedding material layer on another top organic wastematerial layer of said stack of said additional intermediate beddingmaterial layers and additional intermediate organic waste materiallayers to form said compost heap; and, replacing said snow on saidanother top bedding material layer.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereineach of said base bedding material layer, said intermediate beddingmaterial layers and said top bedding material layer comprises one ormore planar sheets of cardboard and one or more sheets of paper, orcombinations thereof.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said basebedding material layer, said bottom organic waste material layer, saidintermediate bedding material layers, said intermediate organic wastematerial layers, said top organic waste material layer and said topbedding material layer number a total of between approximately tenlayers and twelve layers.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein each of saidbottom organic waste material layer, said intermediate organic wastematerial layers and said top organic waste material layer comprise athickness of between approximately one-half inch and approximately oneinch.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said watering cycle compriseswatering at least once a day.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein saidaeration cycle comprises aerating at least once every three weeks. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein said worms comprise red wiggler worms.11. The method of claim 1, wherein introducing said worms comprisesproviding approximately one pound of said worms per square yard of saidcompost heap.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein harvesting said compostfrom said compost heap occurs when said compost heap is approximatelyone-tenth of its original volume.
 13. The method of claim 1, furtherproviding an underground cell and comprises forming a bottom thereofapproximately horizontally.
 14. The method of claim 13, whereinproviding said underground cell comprises forming said bottom at anon-zero angle relative to horizontal.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein said non-zero angle is sufficient to allow said water to flowthrough said compost heap in a generally horizontal direction.
 16. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising the additional step of providingan underground cell in said ground surface and forming sidewalls thereofapproximately vertically.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein saidunderground cell comprises a width at least approximately ten feet, alength of at least approximately ten feet and a depth of at leastapproximately ten feet.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprisingforming at least one excavation lane adjacent to said underground cellto provide access to said compost heap.